The Connect AI March Release: Custom Agent Tools, Governed Toolkits, and a New Standard for What MCP Can Do

CData’s Q1 Connect AI release expands its managed Model Context Protocol platform with governed agent tooling, secure hybrid connectivity, and stronger identity controls aimed at production enterprise AI deployments. The release introduces a three-tier tool architecture comprising Universal Tools for normalized cross-system data access, Custom Tools for predefined and constrained workflow operations, and planned Source Tools for system-specific, auditable actions, while workspaces and toolkits limit each agent’s accessible data and permitted operations. A new Connect Gateway enables secure outbound-only access to on-premises systems such as SAP, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL without opening inbound ports or moving sensitive data to the cloud. The platform also adds SCIM 2.0 support for automated user, group, and permission lifecycle management through identity providers, alongside planned Custom OAuth Apps that let organizations use their own credentials and permission scopes. Together, these features are intended to unify connectivity across more than 350 data sources, contextual access controls, and enterprise governance within a single MCP platform.

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